About Ironbridge

This town is named for the famous bridge that spans the River Severn - the world's first Iron Bridge. Completed in 1781 it was built by Abraham Darby III to advertise his ironworks at nearby Coalbrookdale. Within a year the worth of Iron as a building material was proven. During that period, a flood had washed away all the other bridges except for this one.

It was the pioneering work of Abraham Darby's grandfather in the iron industry that earned this little town the distinction of being the cradle of the Industrial Revolution. The ironworks at Coalbrookdale saw the birth of the very first Iron wheels, Iron rails, Iron boat, Aquaduct, Iron framed buildings and the famous bridge.

Much of the industrial heritage of Ironbridge and Coalbrookdale is preserved by the Ironbridge Gorge Museum. This is an enchanted valley of working museums and real history. On show are images and objects from an industrial revolution which changed forever not only the great heartland of the Midlands but many other towns and Cities throughout England, if not the World. It is Coalbrookdale that we have to thank for that which is the pride of every English country kitchen - the Aga oven, for it was here that this unique oven was first invented.

Centre of industry this area may be but there is some very pleasant countryside close-by with an abundance of public houses where a genial host will be happy to serve you with a tasty meal and a good pint of his excellent ale.

The Wrekin is a local beauty spot and Benthall Hall owned by the National Trust is well worth a visit. The mighty River Severn meanders merrily throughout this area and at times, is almost in-line with the Severn Valley Steam Railway line which runs from Kidderminster to the nearby town of Bridgenorth.

Hotels & Accommodation in Ironbridge

The Tontine

Ironbridge, Shropshire, England (0.2 miles, 0.3 km)The Tontine Hotel in Ironbridge, dates back to the 18th century, and lies close to the River Severn....More info and book online..Price from £30.00

Bridge View Guest House

Ironbridge, Shropshire, England (0.2 miles, 0.3 km)Bridge View Guest House is set next to the historic Iron Bridge. This charming guest house sits above a delightful tea room serving food all day. When the Iron Bridge was built in 1779, artists, trav...More info and book online..Price from £65.00

The Malthouse

Ironbridge, Shropshire, England (0.4 miles, 0.6 km)Located beside the River Severn in the village of Ironbridge, The Malthouse boasts free Wi-Fi, free on-site parking, a bar and a restaurant. The Iron Bridge which the village is named after is less t...More info and book online..Price from £65.00

Foundry Masters House

Ironbridge, Shropshire, England (0.7 miles, 1.1 km)Originally built in the early 1800s, this detached property has now been lovingly restored; today, the house boasts attractive and elegant Georgian-style accommodation, rich in beautiful original peri...More info and book online..Price from £40.00

Calcutts House

Ironbridge, Shropshire, England (0.7 miles, 1.1 km)This 18th Century property provides bed and breakfast accommodation with 4-star luxury. In the heart of the Ironbridge Gorge, Calcutts House offers period elegance with free Wi-Fi and modern en suite ...More info and book online..Price from £58.00